Senior Propulsion Automation & Test Systems Engineer

Rocket Lab; Waikato; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Propulsion Engineer - Automation and Test Systems in New Zealand. This role focuses on enhancing propulsion test stands and troubleshooting complex automated systems.

Ideal candidates will possess a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and experience with National Instruments and PLC systems. The position offers exciting challenges in a fast-paced environment, contributing to innovative space missions.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to independently troubleshoot and resolve complex systems issues in live operations.
• Hands-on experience with instrumentation, sensors, and electromechanical systems in industrial environments.
• Strong experience with National Instruments systems, including LabVIEW.

Responsibilities

• Support the testing, validation, and continuous improvement of propulsion test stands.
• Design, commission, and implement upgrades to test systems and automation architecture.
• Act as the primary on-site expert for propulsion test stand automation.

Skills

National Instruments systems

PLC-based control systems

Programming (Python, C, C#)

Instrumentation

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Software, Electrical, Mechatronics)

Tools

LabVIEW

SQL

Job description

SENIOR PROPULSION ENGINEER - AUTOMATION AND TEST SYSTEMS

As a Senior Propulsion Engineer - Automation and Test Systems based at Rocket Lab’s site in the Propulsion Test Complex (PTC), you will have the opportunity to support the testing, validation, and continuous improvement of propulsion test stands that directly enable launch vehicle readiness and flight qualification. In this role you will work on troubleshooting live test systems and designing, commissioning, and upgrading automated control and data systems that ensure safe, reliable, and efficient propulsion testing. To be successful in this role, you must be highly self‑directed, hands‑on, and comfortable operating independently in a remote facility as the on‑site subject matter expert for complex automated systems. Join a driven team that’s tackling challenging projects, delivering on exciting missions, and making an impact on the future of space.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Act as the primary on‑site expert for propulsion test stand automation and control systems at PTC
• Provide day‑to‑day troubleshooting and operational support for live propulsion test infrastructure
• Design, commission, and implement upgrades to test systems and automation architecture
• Develop and maintain test sequences, data acquisition, and control systems using National Instruments platforms
• Integrate PLC, software, and hardware systems to improve reliability and test throughput
• Work closely with remote engineering teams and Ground Systems Engineering (GSE) to resolve complex issues
• Identify bottlenecks in test operations and implement continuous improvement solutions
• Support integration of test systems with enterprise tools, logging systems, and data pipelines

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Software, Electrical, Mechatronics, or equivalent hands‑on discipline)
• Strong experience with National Instruments systems (LabVIEW, test sequencing, troubleshooting)
• Experience with industrial automation systems, including PLC‑based control systems (e.g. Beckhoff or similar)
• Proficiency in at least one programming language (Python, C, or C#) and familiarity with engineering toolchains
• Hands‑on experience with instrumentation, sensors, and electromechanical systems in industrial environments
• Proven ability to independently troubleshoot and resolve complex systems issues in live operations

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience in fluid systems or fluid‑powered test environments
• Background in manufacturing automation or production line commissioning
• Experience with SQL, data acquisition systems, or industrial data pipelines
• Familiarity with TestStand, FlexLogger, or other National Instruments ecosystem tools
• Experience integrating operational systems with ERP/EIS platforms
• Exposure to high‑reliability or safety‑critical test environments
• Experience working in remote or autonomous engineering site environments

If you’re excited by complex systems, hands‑on engineering, and taking ownership of mission‑critical test infrastructure that directly enables spaceflight, we’d love to hear from you.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [e-mail]. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, review the ITAR Regulations.